September 3, 2024

Introducing the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law and Leadership

Southwestern Law School is excited to announce the launch of the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law and Leadership, an innovative program designed to cultivate the next generation of legal leaders. Supported by a generous donation from alumnus R. Rex Parris, Mayor of Lancaster, CA, and Founding Partner of the Parris Law Firm, this Academy offers students a unique opportunity to develop essential leadership skills that complement their legal education.

About the Academy

The Parris Academy is built on six leadership pillars: Cultural Competency, Ethics & Professionalism, Communication & Persuasion, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Team Building & Conflict Resolution, and Decision-Making & Problem-Solving. These pillars form the foundation of a comprehensive three-phase program designed to guide students through their leadership journey from their first year of law school to graduation.

Program Structure

• Phase 1 (typically one year): The initial phase includes leadership lectures and a leadership inventory, where students will engage with experts from various fields and reflect on their leadership strengths and areas for growth. This phase is open to all students, focusing on 1Ls laying the groundwork for their legal careers.
• Phase 2 (typically one year): Students who choose to advance to Phase 2 will participate in interactive leadership workshops and book club sessions, providing deeper engagement with leadership concepts and networking opportunities with alumni.
• Phase 3 (typically one year): The final phase emphasizes the practical implementation of leadership skills, where students will assume a leadership role and design and implement their own leadership project.

Why You Should Get Involved

The Parris Academy is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a pathway to becoming a leader in the legal profession. By participating, students will gain the confidence, skills, and networks necessary to excel in their careers. 

This program ties into the Professionalism & Civility (P&C) badge, offering a valuable opportunity to fulfill your P&C badge requirements while enhancing your leadership skills.

Upcoming Events

• Introductory Session: September 9, 12:30 p.m., Louis Room (livestream available) RSVP to the Introductory Session here.
• Communication & Persuasion Session: September 23, 12:30 p.m., BW 390  (livestream available)
• TBA Program Session: October 21, 12:30 p.m., BW 390 (livestream available) 
• Ethics & Professionalism Program Session: November 18, 12:30 p.m., BW 390 (livestream available)

Join us at these sessions to learn more about how the Parris Academy can help shape your future as a legal leader. We look forward to seeing you there and supporting you on your journey to excellence. Please note that no application is needed for Phase 1. Also, all students are always welcome to attend any lunchtime leadership lecture.

For more information or any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Cody Morrison, Director of the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law and Leadership, at CMorrison@swlaw.edu.